Pre-Trip Checklist What to do and check - what to Bring?

[carl135i]

I am thinking of taking my SC on a trip from FL to NY and back in a couple of weeks. I am looking on some pointers on what to check to insure I have a safe and relatively trouble free journey. Also what spares and tools should I have with me? The car has about 160K with a rebuilt engine within last 10K. Recent master cylinder change and brake flush has been done and new tires are installed. Oil will be changed. What else?

[G450X]

Well, it is possible to get carried away and carry all sorts of spares, but I'd concentrate on having a few tools to supplement the factory tool roll, like a decent 3/4" ratchet and socket set with a few extensions, electrical tape, fuses, wire, small hammer, etc..

I would also check your jack and spare tire and air compressor for proper operation, do a mock flat tire change and see how it goes. I carry an aluminum 944 jack along with the metal insert for the original longitudinal in addition to the factory jack. The factory set-up needs a flat surface and you never know where a flat will occur. The 944 scissors jack is a bit more flexible in application. I also carry a tire plug kit, it takes up little room and it may fix a simple nail/screw type puncture. I also carry a quart or two of oil.

And a decent shop manual stashed somewhere. SC's are a transitional car into modern electronics and is sort of electo/mechanical. Unlike the later Carrera which has some odd relays and sensors that can go TU at a moments notice and kill the car, the SC's engine/fuel system tends to start running rough, so that you know something is wrong and needs attention, but they usually keep running to get you somewhere for a proper repair.

This stuff takes up little room, and it will usually suffice to at least get you to a shop for a proper repair. Some people carry spare coils, fuels pumps, ignition parts, starter, etc., and I do on really long trips, but this short list will get you started.

A really good pre-inspection might catch something before the trip as well.

[spyerx]

i'm doing same for a road trip up north. have full factory tool roll. Added:
spare NEW fan belt (not the nearly 30 yr old one in the roll)
tire plug kit
new compressor with a bottle of goo
3/8" socket set, with some basic things like wrenches and screwdrivers, allen wrences
voltmeter
Oil
Rags and rubber gloves, and a trash bag
dme relay

And a AAA Plus membership! :-)

I figure if an issue, basics I can handle, otherwise I just tow it somewhere safe.

Car will be fine!

[Charles Freeborn]

Service the car before you leave, carry the pulley tool for the fan belt, an assortment of wrenches a spare quart of oil, some zip ties, small roll of Gorilla Tape and a Leatherman.
Cell phone, and AAA card and you're good to go.
-C

[carl135i]

Ok. What services should I perform? What are most likely parts to go? The advice on tools/tire repair are great. Thanks!

[T77911S]

i carry a CD and coil. you can buy an MSD as a spare if you want one. because of how i have my MSD wired i could install the spare coil with wires connected then all i would have to do if i have no spark is plug in my spare CD unit and move the coil wire over to the new coil.

might add a rotor and cap, relay and fuses.
some tools. a test light for electrical work.

[KNS]

If you haven't before, practice changing the fan belt in your garage. It's not difficult at all but easier once you've done it rather than on the side of the road for the first time. Stuff a large rag/towel underneath the crank pulley in case you drop a shim.

[Zaz]

For long distance, In addition to misc tools and spare parts, I would look to get a list of known P car mechanics along the way ( or a pre-set way to find the nearest one in a pinch). Invariably if something goes wrong it may not be a 15 minute (or 2-3 hour) diagnosis and fix. And being distressed on the roadside just doesn't lend itself to calm, clear 911 problem troubleshooting (esp if you're with a female). If you have AAA, be sure you are ready to give express instruction on where to go while you're riding shotgun in that flatbed. Or you'll find yourself at a Mobil station.
Ask me how I know.

[Scheebs]

I carry a spare chain tensioner.

[carl135i]

All great advice. Keep the suggestions coming.

[Charles Freeborn]

Have a general service done - oil, filters, tune-up (including valve adjustment) if it's been a while, and most importantly a thorough inspection - that means looking at CV boots, brake lines belts, fuses, etc. All the little stuff that can rattle loose, fall off or generally pee on the parade.
Personally I'm not likely to change tensioners or major ignition parts on the side of the road. That's time to call the flatbed and go have a beer.
-C

[Trackrash]

Rubber gas lines? I had one spring a leak in northern AZ. Luckily I had a screwdriver and a short piece of hose in my tool box.

A small VOM meter or trouble light. I had the fuse to my ignition go out once. Problem was, it was the END of the fuse, so it looked OK on initial inspection.

But, hey, if you have been driving your car regularly, you probably will be fine. I just drove my 71 175 miles to Laguna Seca, participated in a DE, and drove home. No problems.

[alfadoc]

Been driving "unreliable European cars" as daily drivers for decades. I do keep my cars very well maintained, and generally tend to go through them upon initial purchase. That being said, my philosophy has always been to carry nothing but the factory tool kit, lest the car think that I don't trust it.

[shadowjack1]

If you have A/C and need to change the fan belt. Bring a set of dikes to cut the belt for the A/C. A good pair of vice grips. A can of fix a flat.

[Jfporco]

Some other thoughts....Flashlight (two of them), vice grips, two cans of fix a flat. AAA card, fully charged cell phone with car charger, extra set of spark plugs.
Enjoy the trip.
Cheers,

[ganun]

Originally Posted by alfadoc

?...............That being said, my philosophy has always been to carry nothing but the factory tool kit, lest the car think that I don't trust it.

+1, this is the best advice of this thread, but it won't be too harsh on you for carrying a spare window switch.

[carl135i]

Wow the list is building. Unfortunately I don't drive the car daily so I guess I better put some miles on it before my trip to identify any immediate problems.

[KNS]

^^ Do a 100 mile highway drive, any problems should present themselves and your confidence in the car will be much higher.

[mhackney]

Carl, I drive my 83 SC Cab to Rochester, NY and back twice a month, that's an 800 mile round trip. The key really is to know the car inside and out and that requires driving it a lot. I started with a few shorter trips (100 miles or so) and as I built confidence and experience increased the distance. This was 7 years ago when I got the car. Now, I feel very comfortable taking it as far as I want. In addition to the basic maintenance and inspection items previously mentioned, here are some pointers:

• since this is your first long trip make sure your battery is fresh (not out dated) and fully charged
• of course a fresh oil and filter change is in order
• make sure you understand how much oil your car consumes or leaks and bring an appropriate amount of replacement oil
• top off your wiper fluid
• check tire air pressure
• do a pre-drive inspection of all your indicators and lights

Then by way of items to carry I tend to bring only stuff I know I'll likely need. You can't plan for every possible problem!

• paper towels
• oil (see above)
• window cleaner
• a couple of pairs of latex or latex free gloves
• one flashlight with fresh batteries
• stock toolkit
• I like to carry a set of metric wrenches, a socket set and a medium vice grips
• a set of 4 good Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, two of each in small and medium/large blades

[tirwin]

You can get carried away with stuff to carry. I started to assemble a "go bag" that I could throw in the car for long trips. It didn't take long to realize once you actually start compiling it all just how much space it takes up.

My personal opinion is to take the minimalist approach. Fuses, relays, the factory toolkit, a can of fix-a-flat and a AAA card. *Maybe* a fuel pump or a coil just because if those fail you'll be stuck somewhere waiting on parts to arrive. If anything else goes wrong, chances are you need a tow anyway.

Working on the side of the road can be hazardous to your health. Many years ago I knew a guy that was killed working on his car on the side of the interstate. Driver wasn't paying attention and drifted over for just a second and that was all it took. Sure nobody wants their trip interrupted but your life isn't worth it. I think some insurance companies even offer trip insurance. That might be worth looking into.

And like others have said, you need to feel like you can trust the car. 4 years ago I had to start the car with a screwdriver, cold starts were a problem, there were some electrical gremlins and I had no A/C. I'm just now getting the car to what I call "trip worthy".